Cavani scores to saves Napoli keepers blushes

20 January 2013 03:16

Edinson Cavani's 100th goal in Serie A earned Napoli a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on Sunday and made up for a glaring error by his goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis for Fiorentina's goal.

Cavani's 42nd minute header from Marek Hamsik's freekick saw Napoli go second in the table but five points behind Juventus, who whipped Udinese 4-0 on Saturday, while Fiorentina at least put an end to three successive defeats in all competitions.

The Uruguayan's goal - which was his 17th of the campaign - got Napoli back on terms after De Sanctis had completely misjudged Argentinian Facundo Roncaglia long pass from halfway which instead of finding its intended target, striker Luca Toni, went past the Napoli 'keeper and into the net.

"My team-mates said to me 'you will have a goal to remember'" said Cavani, who has scored 34 goals for Palermo and 66 for Napoli.

"I am very happy, but I am thinking more of the team, we need to move forward to achieve our targets."

Napoli could well have left with all three points but for the brilliant display in goal by Fiorentina's goalkeeper Neto.

The Brazilian was on hand to deny a fierce effort by Gokhan Inler, a shot from Cavani and a pointblank header from Goran Pandev.

Cavani, who is the leading scorer in Serie A, said the result was not too disappointing.

"The championship is very difficult, one can lose to anyboy," said the 25-year-old.

"It is a point gained, and now we are thinking ahead to the matches awaiting us."